LAKEPORT >> Changes to fees charged for various services provided by Lake County Animal Care and Control were unanimously approved by the Lake County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
The board had established fees for surgeries, licenses and special services when the animal medical clinic was founded in 2012. The fee structure had not been changed since that time.
“After two years of operation, the current fee structure was re-evaluated,” Animal Care and Control Director William Davidson said.
The study took into account current costs for equipment, medicine and other necessities, as well as operational expenses. The Animal Control Advisory Board had further reviewed the results and recommendations, approving the decision for vote by the board. This took place in July.
As a result of that evaluation, Davidson pointed that “minimal fee increases ? will allow the clinic to continue to provide services to rescue groups and income qualified persons.”
Surgery fees were set “just below what we normally charge in a regular adoption” because rescue groups assist in finding homes for unwanted animals, Davidson said.
Fees set to be increased include adoption surgery fro female cats and male dogs, which is being raised by $5, making the costs $60 and $70, respectively.
Female dogs weighing less than 60 pounds will now costs $80, up from $75, while female dogs weighing more than 60 pounds will costs $90, up from $75. Pitbull surgery fees will cost $50 for males and $70 for females.
Kennel licenses, which have not been increased in six years, will change to a flat level fee of $100, $200 or $300, depending upon the number of animals being cared for by the facility. Previously, kennels costs $90, $155, $230 and an additional $7 for each dog.
Additionally, fees for special services including microchips, identification tags, e-collars, deceased animal disposal and pet urns will all increase by varying amounts.
The cost of microchips will raise from $15 to $20. Identification tags will now cost $8, an increase of $3. E-collars will increase by $2, making the new price $9. Deceased animal disposal will increase from $10 to $15 and pet urns will now cost $20, up from $14.
The county supervisors unanimously approved the fee changes.
Reach J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
